Maryka Holtzhausen hopes to help Loughborough Lightning's revival
Friday 23 January 2015 12:55, UK
Maryka Holtzhausen is confident that Loughborough Lightning can avoid another season of struggle when the new Superleague starts.
The South Africa captain is part of a new-look Lightning side, who will be setting their sights higher after finishing bottom of the table, without a single league victory in 2014.
But Holtzhausen has been impressed with her fellow recruits and is expecting a much improved display from Loughborough in their opening home clash against Yorkshire Jets on January 30.
“I think you look back to their season and we can only improve,” she told Sky Sports. “We’ve been working really hard these three weeks I’ve been here, just doing the basics right.
“We’ve got a lot of new players in and a different squad from last year so we can just go up. The Superleague is really, really attractive from anywhere in the world when you look at netball."
Holtzhausen, who is a veteran of the South African netball squad with 62 international caps, has revealed how more of her compatriots are taking an interest in the Superleague.
“Having the opportunity to play netball at a more professional level has really attracted us South Africans to come over and play, because we do not have that at home," she said.
“I’m really looking forward to what this team can present, not only for the teams but for import players as well.”
Hertfordshire’s Sasha Corbin has kept a close eye on recent signings such as Holtzhausen, with rival teams pursuing a lofty position in the table.
The Mavericks wing attack believes the influx of new players will create fresh competition for previous front runners such as Surrey Storm and Manchester Thunder.
“I think it’s going to be a hotly contested season, to be honest,” Corbin told Sky Sports. “There’s been so much movement in terms of players moving from other teams and players coming into the country to play.
“It’s great that our league is looking attractive to players to come and play in the Superleague.
“Obviously it’s going to be tough in terms of the top four. I think it’s going to be really hard to get into that this year. I don’t think it’s going to be solid - we sometimes have the same teams in - I think it’s going to be really hard to get into that this year.
“Everyone wants to improve their game and I think in this Superleague, you can do that. You’re working with different players and it’s all about improving yourself.
“I definitely think it’s attractive and people will keep on coming.”
Watch the first Netball Superleague match of 2015 live on Sky Sports 4 HD from 7.30pm on Monday January 26 when Manchester Thunder take on Surrey Storm.
